Tahki Yarns Overland Lake Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Overland Lake Cardigan

Project Overview

The Overland Lake Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Teresa Chorzepa. This seamed cardigan features a sophisticated combination of cable and stripe techniques, creating visual interest through both textural and color elements. The garment is available in four sizes ranging from Small to Extra Large, with finished bust measurements from 36¼ inches to 46¾ inches and lengths between 22 and 23½ inches, designed to fit with 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Techniques

The Overland Lake Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its intermediate difficulty level. The garment utilizes cable knitting, specifically a 2/2 right cable (2/2 RC) pattern that creates raised, twisted stitches for dimensional texture. The cardigan is constructed using the seamed method, meaning individual pieces are knitted separately and then sewn together, allowing for precise shaping and professional finishing. Additionally, the design incorporates striped colorwork, alternating between two yarn colors in a planned sequence to create horizontal bands of color throughout the body and sleeves.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined into structured stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The base stitch used throughout, created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic fabric
• Cable Pattern: A repeating pattern worked over a multiple of 5 stitches plus 1, alternating between knit and purl stitches with cable crosses every other row. The 2/2 RC cable cross is executed by slipping 2 stitches onto a cable needle, holding it to the back, knitting the next 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle
• Decreases: K2tog (knit 2 together) and P2tog (purl 2 together) are used for shaping
• Increases: M1L (make 1 left) is used to add stitches where needed for garment shaping

Stripe Sequence

The cardigan features a planned stripe sequence that differs between the body and sleeves. For the body, the pattern alternates between the two colors twice (24 rows each with color B, then color A, repeated), followed by working with color B only to completion. The sleeves follow a different sequence: 32 rows with color B, then 24 rows each with color A, color B, and color A respectively, before finishing with color B only to the end.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Overland Lake Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns Aurora, a premium blend yarn composed of 70% superwash merino wool and 30% nylon. This fiber content provides durability, easy care, and a soft hand. The yardage requirements vary by size: Small and Medium sizes require 3 balls of color A (dusk) and 2 balls of color B (wildflowers), while Large and Extra Large sizes require 4 balls of color A and 3 balls of color B. Each ball contains 100 grams and provides 261 yards of yardage, allowing ample material for the complete garment.

Tools and Equipment

The pattern requires US size 7 (4.5mm) needles or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge of 21 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Additional tools include a cable needle for executing cable crosses, a stitch holder for temporarily securing stitches, and a yarn needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 21 stitches and 27 rows should measure 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning, as variations will affect the final garment measurements and fit. The cardigan is designed with positive ease, meaning it will be slightly larger than the wearer's actual measurements for a comfortable, unrestricted fit.